Chicago Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks looks solid in rehab start with the Iowa Cubs
Kyle Hendricks’ legendary status extends throughout the Chicago Cubs’ organization.
The 34-year-old pitcher is in his 11th season with Chicago and is the only remaining player from the 2016 World Series championship squad, after all.
Iowa Cubs fans showed their love for Hendricks during his Tuesday rehab outing in Des Moines.
After pitching just over four innings against Columbus, Hendricks walked to the dugout to the sound of loud cheers from the fans who braved the rain, wind and lightning to see an organization icon.
“It’s amazing,” Hendricks said of the fans' response. “The Cubs fans are so good to me, they treat me so well. They were so supportive of me, even struggling that hard.
“It makes you feel really good … keeps my confidence up there even though the results haven’t been there.”
Hendricks, who is recovering from a strained back, put together the ideal opening inning in his start with the Iowa Cubs. He struck out the side on 14 pitches in the first frame – a strong start following his 70-pitch performance with the Tennessee Smokies.
Hendricks labored through the second inning before finishing out his appearance with 85 pitches, including 53 strikes. He allowed five hits but just one run in 4 1/3 innings. He walked four batters and struck out six. Hendricks also picked off a runner.
The one run he did allow came during an inning he nearly got out of with an inning-ending double play. But the throw to first didn’t land in time.
"Health-wise, felt great out there, was able to get my pitch count up,” Hendricks said. “Not too happy with the second inning. Kind of got out of (my mechanics) a little bit, made some bad pitches.”
It offered a much-needed confidence boost for Hendricks.
He hoped for a better start to the season. In 21 innings with Chicago, he allowed 37 hits and 28 earned runs. He had a 0-3 record before going on the injured list.
Tuesday’s outing with the Iowa Cubs moved Hendricks a step closer to the big leagues. Columbus won 6-5 in 10 innings.
“The results are great, but I’ve got to keep stacking it together,” Hendricks said. “It’s been a lot of ups and downs, so just trying to keep my focus as simple as possible.”
Hendricks’ focus is on a return to Chicago.
“It’s been a challenge so far. The adversity can help you in the long run. Clearly, not the results I was looking for, but just re-adjusting, refocusing, taking it one day at a time.”
Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Kyle Hendricks looks to return to Chicago Cubs after Iowa Cubs rehab
